RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Sleep deprivation and obesity in adults: a brief narrative review
JF BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine
JO BMJ OPEN SP EX MED
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP e000392
DO 10.1136/bmjsem-2018-000392
VO 4
IS 1
A1 Christopher B Cooper
A1 Eric V Neufeld
A1 Brett A Dolezal
A1 Jennifer L Martin
YR 2018
UL http://bmjopensem.bmj.com/content/4/1/e000392.abstract
AB Background/aims Obesity and sleep deprivation are two epidemics that pervade developed nations. Their rates have been steadily rising worldwide, especially in the USA. This short communication will explore the link between the two conditions and outline the proposed mechanisms behind their relationship.Methods Studies on the topic of sleep and obesity were reviewed, and findings were used to develop a theoretical model for the biological link between short sleep duration and obesity.Results Individuals who regularly slept less than 7  hours per night were more likely to have higher average body mass indexes and develop obesity than those who slept more. Studies showed that experimental sleep restriction was associated with increased levels of ghrelin, salt retention and inflammatory markers as well as decreased levels of leptin and insulin sensitivity.Conclusions There may be a link between obesity and sleep deprivation. We recommend further investigations are to elucidate the potential mechanisms.